"He said the Kentwood plants offered something the new company didn't already do, so it would be an opportunity to grow their business," said Golder, who couldn't give details.

Neither Moriarty nor Tim Graham, director of business development for Flex-N-Gate, returned calls for comment Thursday.

Meridian reportedly has been selling assets and closing facilities during the past year, citing the loss of a major customer. Already in July, the manufacturer has idled Indiana facilities in Shelbyville and Grabill, putting 417 people out of work.

The company emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2007 with its West Michigan operations mostly intact.

It expanded its Kentwood operations last October, adding $2.7 million in equipment and machinery, and 40 jobs at the Breton plant. Kentwood's City Commission approved a $4,500 tax abatement on the equipment and machinery.

As of last year, the Kentwood facilities employed about 575 people. Eppler estimated the Ionia plants employ about 700.

Flex-N-Gate is a Tier 1 supplier that owns Ventra Group and is No. 155 on Forbes list of America's largest private companies. It is a General Motors Corp. creditor seeking $4.4 million in trade debt, according to GM bankruptcy filing documents.

Flex-N-Gate manufactures metal and plastic automotive components and mechanical assemblies. It has 50 plants in Argentina, Mexico, Spain and the United States. Michigan facilities are in Evart, Battle Creek, Highland Park, Royal Oak and Warren.